Push(101)

The fall is not as I anticipated. I thought it might be a rapid rush, but, instead, I feel light. As if I am floating. I struggle to see the riotously painted bridge trusses as I pass, but the darkness makes it impossible. My mind is moving slowly, thoughtfully even, but before I can take hold of another breath, I hit the water. The bubbles rise around me, tickling my body in a frothy, hard caress.
The weight of the sandbags pulls me down faster than I expected. I am under the water, and yet I can finally breathe. And I grin because I know that he is up there, on the bridge, smiling. His perfect teeth exposed. His eyes alight. He is elated. And maybe, I hope, filled with a deep, appreciative love. For me.



David’s Epilogue

The sandbags are the last thing to fall from the ledge, and, as they do, I hear a sickening swipe. It licks at my heart. I watch her fall. She is falling for me. Her body tilts softly in the air, and she hits the water feet first. I know the sandbags will pull her down fast. They always do. The bubbles rise, and the ripples widen, and she is gone. Gone because I am a goddamned son of a bitch.
I put my face in my hands and drop to my knees. I am crying. I am sobbing. I am screaming.
Shit. What have I done?
To be continued...
* * * * *



Acknowledgments

The blame for this book is to be placed squarely on the shoulders of my friend Melissa. She is the one who encouraged me to write David and Emma’s story, and her enthusiasm for this book led me through both the dark spots and the bright. Thank you, Melissa, for leading me down this road and for being such a kick-ass cheerleader. Your faith is mind-boggling.
To N.A., L.S., B.O., M.S. and M.K.: I still can’t believe I suckered you into reading an entire ream of paper full of my words. And I didn’t even have to ask twice! Your trust and confidence gave me an instant pair of “author legs” and a firm push in the right direction. Without your feedback, I would not have had the courage to put this book out into the world. You are my “fab-five,” and I will be forever grateful to have you in my life.
I feel blessed to have a set of parents and a sister who always offer me their support, no matter what kind of harebrained idea I fling at them. They have my back, and I am thankful for all their positive energy and love. My chin is up because of them.
To my agent, Nalini Akolekar of Spencerhill Associates: I knew from our very first phone call that we were going to be a perfect fit. Thanks for your patient ear, your steadfast enthusiasm, and your practical (and emotional!) advice. Your faith in this book, and its author, is so very appreciated.
Emily Ohanjanians, my editor at Harlequin MIRA, had no small task in bringing out the best in David and Emma’s story. Emily, your gentle guidance, kind words and professionalism did not go unnoticed. I know I can be a little overly passionate sometimes (okay, let’s call it what it is, kids: I can be an opinionated b#tch); your ability to corral that passion and help me turn it into a string of perfect words was more vital than you know. You deserve a medal.
And last, to my rock-solid husband: Thank you for tolerating all my neurotic outbursts, for encouraging me to take risks, for inspiring my creativity, for always allowing me to be myself, and for being the strongest person I know. You and that beautiful boy of ours are the best parts of me.